Pandemic....

Life is a little surreal right now.  We are in the middle of a pandemic: Coronavirus- Covid 19. The incredible amount of denial that populations are capable of is astounding. The level of disregard for other people that this virus has brought out in society are mind-numbingly horrifying.  People are hording bath tissue, soap, hand sanitizers and many other necessities making in nearly impossible to find these things for regular use.  I'm sure history will record all of these things.  Our current president is giving out as much misinformation as anyone else and our governmental bodies seem more interested in the economy that people's lives.  One congress man suggested that the elderly would be willing to die for the sake of the economy. I would beg to differ and how horrible that someone would even think that!  Actually, though, here in the US the biggest demographic of infected people appears to be the 25-49 age group. However, no matter what the official word is, there is not a significant amount of testing happening.  Many, many people have been unable to be tested because the tests are not available or they don't have the exact symptoms (fever of 101.4, dry cough etc) of the common perception. So the reality is that we don't know at all how many are actually infected.

I've been working at home since  the 16th.  The university closed it's campus on the 24th but all classes will be taught online. (I wonder what they are doing with PAC classes?)  I'm fortunate that I can continue to work since I have no financial buffer if I suddenly find myself out of work. Our university has been very proactive in assuring employees that as much as possible we will continue to work.  And for those who are not able to work, they are adding another 80 hours of paid leave to be taken.  It seems like a lot but if this lasts for 18 months it won't be much.  The state is offering unemployment benefits if you are out of work because of the virus and there are at least talks about suspending mortgage, rent, and utility payments for at least a period of time for those out of work due to the virus.

The states are responsible for deciding how to handle this, so far.  The government is issuing recommendations and the states are making decisions about the best path forward.  In Oregon, all non-essential businesses are closed (a hardship for small businesses for sure).  We have been asked to shelter in place- we can leave our houses to work, buy groceries or food (available for pick up and delivery in most places but no delivery available in my town), go to medical appointments and other essential activities.  We can also exercise outside as long as we can do so without coming within 6 feet of another person. This is enforceable by jail time or fines. I've been walking on my lunches as long as the weather allows.  I live in a rural town so there are lots of roads through farmland that I can walk without seeing many people.  I'm trying to avoid grocery shopping as much as possible- I have two freezers full of meat, fruit, and vegetables and a pantry with more fruit and vegetables.  However, I am suffering from allergies this year and am going through the facial tissues at an alarming rate.  I have 9 full rolls of toilet tissue and a couple boxes of facial tissue but no ability to get any more right now.  I went to Costco and Bi-Mart on Saturday look for toilet and facial tissues particularly with no luck.  I'll have to go again but for now I'm hiding out at home.  

I'm worried about my parents who are in the demographic that is particularly at risk of death from this virus.  Dad has Parkinson's which is particularly risky.  Mom has had to go to the store nearly every day because things aren't available so you have to check back. I'm avoiding contact so we don't cross contaminate but I'm not sure they are taking it very seriously.  I can at least talk to them every day.

The hospitals are nearing capacity and all Personal Protection Equipment is in short supply.  They have been asking us to make cloth face masks for health care workers- can you imagine, in this age?!  It's subpar for sure.  I'm thankful for the people who are doing their jobs in health care, grocery stores, food preparation, truckers, postal workers, and so many more that are risking their health in this current situation to make sure the general population has what they need.  If Amazon is still delivering when I get paid, I will try to purchase as much for delivery as possible.  It still requires people to take risks but it seems the least risky of the options available to me.

There are, of course some beautiful things in all the drama:  Entertainers providing free shows online, Museums, zoos, libraries and other public places providing free services online, and people going out of their way to help others when they can. Our schools are still making meals for children and providing places for them to pick them up (Sadly, if they don't a lot of children go hungry).  Grocery stores are providing hours for just the elderly to shop.  There are many many ways now to stay in touch and see people online.  My friends and I are meeting via Zoom on our usual Tuesday night and, while it's not productive, it is human contact.  My SCA group is planning a virtual event on Saturday and there is a lot of conversations online to support each other during these isolating times. I wish I were better at seeing these good things in the midst of the bad but it's so easy to do otherwise.  There is lots of fodder for anxiety right now.  My best hope is we come out of this better people and with better services in place.

Be safe and well, my friends!